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Patrick Marsh Wildlife Area
4.6 ★★★★★ 109 Google reviews · Running trail in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Patrick Marsh Wildlife Area's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Popular nature area with trails for bird-watching, hiking and walking, plus wildlife viewings.
What runners say about Patrick Marsh Wildlife Area
“Gorgeous panoramic view of the marsh and wildlife.”
Short nature walk with a good view of the sun rise. The trail is about one mile and a half. There is a loop around a small pond at the half way point. The left loop can be boggy in the spring. Wear points or take the right side of the loop and double back.
A hidden little gem!! Great spot for an evening walk or run. There's some lookout points and multiple trails. Each trail is about 0.3 miles. If you loop them all together and loop back to where you started you could walk maybe 1.5 miles. Some parts of the trail are one person wide but the main path is 2-3 people wide.
We loved this park. It's scenic path near the lake was divine. We barely noticed how close we were to the highway.
Patrick Marsh is an interesting place to visit and to get in some good walking. For those not familiar with the Sun Prairie area, finding the two parking areas can be a challenge, especially for those who will get to the area from Hwy 151.
Trail conditions & character
“Dogs are to be on leashes but you may find someone disregarding the guidelines.”
“If you loop them all together and loop back to where you started you could walk maybe 1.”
“Short nature walk with a good view of the sun rise.”
“For those not familiar with the Sun Prairie area, finding the two parking areas can be a challenge, especially for those who will get to the area from Hwy 151.”
“There are some spots that tend to be wet, so wear shoes you are ok with getting a little muddy.”
Plan your run at Patrick Marsh Wildlife Area
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitegroundswellwisconsin.org
- Phone+1 608-258-9797
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Running trails near Sun Prairie
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Carriage Hills Estates Park
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Sheehan Park
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Elmer and Edna Culver Wetlands Conservancy
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Relaxed, park-like expanse popular for hiking, with springs and a wetland on-site.
